U.S. soldiers peer through the scopes of their weapons after being fired upon by unseen assailants following a joint patrol with Afghan forces in a small village in Ghazni. Carmen Gentile for USA TODAY

U.S. forces patrol the Moqur market, an area that was firmly controlled by Taliban forces until the creation of checkpoints manned by Afghan forces. The villages around the market, however, remain occasional havens for militant fighters. Carmen Gentile for USA TODAY

A member of the Afghan police force prepares to patrol a village in Gelan district. Carmen Gentile for USA TODAY

An officer in the Afghan police forces meets with village elders in Ghazni, hoping to convince them that security in the region will improve if they work together. Carmen Gentile for USA TODAY

Abdullah sell apples in the Moqur market in Ghazni to feed his family. Months earlier, however, much of the market was shut down by the Taliban until U.S. and Afghan forces moved into the region. Carmen Gentile for USA TODAY

Afghan locals look on as U.S and Afghan forces patrol the Moqur market. Some Afghans who rely on the market say they aren't certain that coalition troops can keep the Taliban away once the snow thaws and spring arrives. Carmen Gentile for USA TODAY

Food sellers in a small market do business in Ghazni province along Highway 1, the main thoroughfare connecting all major cities in Afghanistan. Carmen Gentile for USA TODAY

Afghan soldiers take break at Combat Outpost Moqur, relaxing on an old Soviet tank that has been there for decades. Carmen Gentile for USA TODAY

New barracks are being built at Combat Outpost Moqur to house additional Afghan forces, which will assume all security responsibilities in Ghazni province by the end of 2014. Carmen Gentile for USA TODAY

Living conditions for Afghan forces at Combat Outpost Moqur are dirty and cramped, though new barracks are being constructed. Carmen Gentile for USA TODAY